JobSeeker vs Austudy 2026: Which Should You Claim?
Comparing JobSeeker and Austudy for 2026. See payment rates, income tests, and eligibility rules to decide which Centrelink payment to apply for.
| JobSeeker Payment | Austudy | |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly Rate | $762.70/fn (single, no children) | $625.50/fn (single, no children) |
| Who Is It For | People aged 22 to Age Pension age looking for work, or temporarily unable to work. | Full-time students or Australian Apprentices aged 25 or older. |
| Age Requirement | 22 to Age Pension age (67) | 25 or older (under 25, Youth Allowance student applies) |
| Income Test | $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1. | $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1. Same structure as JobSeeker. |
| Assets Test | Single homeowner: $301,750. Single non-homeowner: $543,750. | Single homeowner: $301,750. Single non-homeowner: $543,750. Same as JobSeeker. |
| Work Requirement | Must actively look for work and meet mutual obligation requirements. | Must be studying full-time in an approved course or doing a full-time Australian Apprenticeship. |
| Extras & Supplements | Energy Supplement $14.10/fn. Higher rate ($816.90/fn) if 55+ after 9 months or single parent. | Energy Supplement $14.10/fn. Student Start-up Loan available ($1,442 per 6 months). No Pensioner Concession Card — Health Care Card only. |
JobSeeker Payment
- Fortnightly Rate
- $762.70/fn (single, no children)
- Who Is It For
- People aged 22 to Age Pension age looking for work, or temporarily unable to work.
- Age Requirement
- 22 to Age Pension age (67)
- Income Test
- $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1.
- Assets Test
- Single homeowner: $301,750. Single non-homeowner: $543,750.
- Work Requirement
- Must actively look for work and meet mutual obligation requirements.
- Extras & Supplements
- Energy Supplement $14.10/fn. Higher rate ($816.90/fn) if 55+ after 9 months or single parent.
Austudy
- Fortnightly Rate
- $625.50/fn (single, no children)
- Who Is It For
- Full-time students or Australian Apprentices aged 25 or older.
- Age Requirement
- 25 or older (under 25, Youth Allowance student applies)
- Income Test
- $150/fn free area, then 50c/$1 up to $256, then 60c/$1. Same structure as JobSeeker.
- Assets Test
- Single homeowner: $301,750. Single non-homeowner: $543,750. Same as JobSeeker.
- Work Requirement
- Must be studying full-time in an approved course or doing a full-time Australian Apprenticeship.
- Extras & Supplements
- Energy Supplement $14.10/fn. Student Start-up Loan available ($1,442 per 6 months). No Pensioner Concession Card — Health Care Card only.
Which one should you choose?
If you are studying full-time and aged 25+, Austudy is the correct payment — even though the rate is lower than JobSeeker ($625.50 vs $762.70). You cannot claim JobSeeker while studying full-time. However, if you are studying part-time and looking for work, you may be able to stay on JobSeeker. If you are considering going back to study, be aware of the rate drop. The income test structure is the same, so earning capacity is treated equally on both payments.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.